Flashback: Emma Thompson walks out of 'Luck' due to studio's shady hiring decisions

While the movie world constantly evolves, certain moments remain etched in memory. One such instance from 2019 saw the indomitable Emma Thompson, backing out of the animated film 'Luck'. The reason? Skydance Media's decision to onboard John Lasseter, who had previously faced allegations of sexual harassment during his tenure as chief creative officer at Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios.

Skydance Media's move that stirred controversy
The film industry, like others, is not devoid of controversies, but Skydance's hiring choice soon became the talk of the town. While the company might have seen value in Lasseter's creative prowess, Thompson certainly didn't mince words in expressing her concerns. "It feels very odd to me that you and your company would consider hiring someone with Mr. Lasseter's pattern of misconduct given the present climate," she wrote in a letter to the studio's management.

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A bigger picture: The #MeToo wave
Amidst the rising tide of the #MeToo movement, Thompson's departure from the project became symbolic of a larger shift in industry dynamics. She wasn't just speaking for herself, but for many others, hoping to ensure a safer environment for the upcoming generations. She echoed this sentiment saying, "I am also aware that if people who have spoken out — like me — do not take this sort of a stand then things are very unlikely to change at anything like the pace required to protect my daughter's generation."

However, this wasn't just about one hiring decision or one studio. It brought to light the continued struggle within the industry, where power dynamics often overshadowed voices clamoring for change. Yet, moments like these, where renowned figures like Thompson take a stand, pave the way for change, albeit gradually.

As time has unfolded, while many might have forgotten this moment, it continues to serve as a reminder of the power of voice, courage, and taking a stand against what one believes is unjust.

Several parts of the text in this article, including the title, were generated with the help of an AI tool.

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